International Children’s Rights Initiative

In the last two decades the field of international human rights has grown exponentially, beginning with the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989. Although the United States is not a signatory to the CRC, every child advocate must have some familiarity with its philosophy, provisions, operation, and impact.

Loyola University is committed to providing education in a global context and the Law School provides students with a rich set of opportunities to enhance their understanding of international and comparative law. Students interested in child and family law can take specialized courses in international children’s rights. In addition, they may deepen their understanding of the challenges children and family face around the world and the role of law and lawyers in responding to those challenges by participating in domestic and international internship programs. In recent years, for example, students have completed internships with nongovernmental organizations and institutions in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Cape Verde, and Ghana. They have also carried out special projects such as juvenile justice system mapping and adolescent health initiatives in Cameroon and Ethiopia. The Law School has established an International Fellowship Program that offers small grants to students who work for nonprofit international organizations in the summer.‌